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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.
 
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How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.petinsurance.com/
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981
What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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P
Phillip T

9/14/2017
Ranger is my Service Dog. His life is as important as mine. That means he has to be healthy and strong to help support the disabilities I have. He is my Mobility Dog as I have issues with falling and needing assistance getting up. Nationwide has helped me in achieving to keep him healthy and able to perform his life saving abilities.
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Joan B

9/14/2017
Ms. Doobie, Doobs,The Doob-ster, Widget, a.k.a. Dubious, is a wonderful puppy. But as part monster, part best friend, part independent smarty-pants, she can only be "wonderful puppy" thanks to Nationwide. Translation: The policy makes it easy for people parents to watch her grow into a BIGGER puppy, allowing us to train her appropriately, but still allow and enjoy her antics. She can run, jump, explore, play and tussle, and if she breaks something, (body parts, not vases) we can get the best care without refinancing the house. Nationwide IS on your Pet's Side. The 24/7 help line has been exactly that for us on two occasions, plus, claims are easy to submit and once the reasonable... Read More
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D
Dave

9/14/2017
Peace of mind and great customer service. The Vitus Vet app has made it even better. I can submit claims easily and efficiently.
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S
Susan

9/14/2017
Nationwide literally saved our dogs life! Unfortunately our precious angel needed back surgery which was too costly for us to pay. I contacted them the day we thought we were having to let her go but discovered the comprehensive plan we have covered it 90% after our $250! She is doing so well, running around and enjoying life with her family who adores her. Thanks to Nationwide who reimbursed us very quickly. All our friends have been amazed at the fantastic customer service we've received!!
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melisa f

9/14/2017
Nationwide response was great! i am satisfied with the service/support.
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D
Denise R

9/14/2017
I honestly wish you would cover more of each invoice that I send in for the amount I pay for their coverage. You came highly recommended by my vet & I am grateful for that, but I wish you would cover heart worm for at least some of that monthly needed item throughout the year along with flea & tick. Between the 2 of them it cost me approximately $21 a month per pet. I will never give up having a dog in my life I just wish you would consider doing more.
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D
Daniel B

9/14/2017
The reason for the lower rating since the time frame to get reimbursed was considered to long for me. I understand the 30-day time frame to review claims (even though this time-frame is way too long). It was a little under 2 weeks for them to review the large bill and came back with needing additional information which I provided the same day that I saw the request online. The claim was approved 3 weeks after submitting the additional information and that's after I called to get a rush on it because it was getting close for me to pay my credit card and I couldn't afford to pay it without the reimbursement. The idea that the 30-day time frame starts over with additional information is... Read More
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Pam D

9/14/2017
Thank you Nationwide! You give me real peace of mind knowing you're here for Pierre and Mom🐾💙🐾
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Irina F

9/14/2017
They took care of my pets bills without any surprises with prompt and efficient service- great to have when your thoughts are with you loved one who is sick
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M
Maureen q

9/14/2017
Thank you for your concern about Murphy. He is feeling better. He had 3 rounds of antibiotics. He runs and plays again without worrying. I knew with his coverage I did not have to worry about cost, just getting him better. Thanks!
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